New court support to aid domestic abuse victims

The collaboration is designed to help domestic abuse victims deal with going to family court proceedings for the first time

Survivors of domestic abuse are getting extra help through the family court system, under a partnership between a women's aid charity and the Central England Law Centre (CELC).

The collaboration with Coventry Haven Women's Aid sees experts provide support, both emotional and legal, when they go to the family court in either Coventry or Birmingham for the first time.

It builds on the work of a national programme designed to improve early access to legal advice at a time of crisis.

Elaine Yates, CEO of Coventry Haven Women's Aid says "Too often, survivors of DA face the family court system alone."

"This is a positive development which will not only increase survivors' confidence in the process, but it also gives a clear message to them that their safety, voice and rights matter."

The service has been developed after consultation with the Head of the Family Court Judiciary, the local Family Justice Board and domestic abuse specialists.

It aims to provide support to families at the first hearing stage, when both sides go before a judge for the first time to set out their respective cases.

If neither side can agree on a course of action, a further hearing with more evidence will take place and the judge can make a temporary order, especially over child access or financial issues.

'Survivor-centred care'

The new system, which started at the beginning of September, is based on two years of work under a national project funded by the Access to Justice Foundation, aimed at getting families in crisis early access to legal advice.

John Hickey, head of family at CELC, said: "For survivors of domestic abuse, frequently unable to access legal advice, family court can be an intimidating experience.

"By standing alongside people in that moment, practically, emotionally and legally, we can make them feel safe and their voices heard."

"This is a model that works. By bringing together legal expertise, community partnership and survivor-centred care, we're making the justice system more accessible, and more just."